Indonesia Army Receives Eight Boeing Apache Helicopters

The Indonesian Army (TNI) received eight Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in Semarang on Wednesday which had been purchased earlier from the United States under the foreign military sales program.

The helicopters were handed over by Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu to TNI Commander`s Logistics Assistant Rear Admiral Bambang Nariyono during a ceremony at the Army Air Force Base at the Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang.

Procurement of the eight helicopters is part of the Foreign Military Sales program to advance the country`s weapons defense system. The helicopters would be used for counter-terrorism operations among other applications.

Defense Minister Ryacudu commented "these eight Apache helicopters are expected to have a deterrent effect and maximize the protection of the state`s sovereignty."

He then instructed the TNI to not only learn about the operation of Apache but also its maintenance techniques.

US Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia McKee said, "we hope that the procurement of Apache helicopters by the Indonesian Armed Forces would support the commitment of both countries to realize stability, peace, and security in the region."